Half Moon Rising

After more than a decade, Troy Bishop is going home to the family he left behind when his parents died. Little does Troy know, he's about to get a lot more than he bargained for. Sawyer Quinton has been waiting for his mate for as long as he can remember and was beginning to think he'd never find him. Until Troy Bishop walked back onto the Reservation. The attraction is immediate for both men, but one is hiding a secret and the other must finally open is heart.

All of Me

To bond with his destined mate, an Alpha wolf must look past what he sees and trust what he feels. Bonded by their parents before they were conceived, wolf shifters Abel and Kai adored each other since they were children. As teens, the two future Alphas took the next step in their bonding process and vowed to remain true to one another until Kai came of age. But when tragedy struck, Abel felt betrayed and ran from Kai instead of completing their mating.

Blue Mountain: Pack Collection, Book 1

Exiled by his pack as a teen, Omega wolf Simon Moorehead learns to bury his gentle nature in the interest of survival. When a hulking, rough-faced Alpha catches Simon on pack territory, he tries to escape what he’s sure will be imminent death. But instead of killing him, the Alpha takes Simon home. A man of action, Mitch Grant uproots his life to support his brother in leading the Blue Mountain pack. Mitch lives on the periphery, quietly protecting everyone, but always alone.

A Fortunate Blizzard

Artist Trevor Morrison has always appreciated the little things in life, treating each day as a gift. And with good reason; he's been on the transplant-recipient list for too long now. When he learns just how numbered his days truly are, he resolves not to take them for granted. But he won't be unrealistic, either - which means romantic commitments are off the table.

Forbidden Mate: Holland Brothers, Book 4

Finding his mate should have been Patrick Holland's greatest day. Instead, it turned into a nightmare with one phone call. His mate didn't want him. His heart broke. But at 16 he was too young to do anything. The next 10 years - 10 long years - of Patrick's life are spent at odds with his mate. Split by forces he can't comprehend and a long line of misunderstandings, Patrick doubts he'll ever get the man he's both loved and hated. They say time heals all wounds, but how much time?

Ben: The Atherton Pack, Book 2

Tommy Morgan's life was turned upside down at the hands of his Alpha. Now, another one is claiming to be his mate. He's not ready to jump into a relationship with anyone, still suffering from nightmares due to the abuse he experienced. Instead, Tommy moves in with his brother, Declan, hoping for the space he needs to heal. Pennaeth Alpha Benjamin Taylor has his hands full dealing with all the packs across Australia. When he finds his young mate battered and bloody, he knows Tommy is going to need time to recover.

By the Light of the Moon

Dakota Cadotte is on the run and alone. Forced out from his pack by the Alpha for being gay, Dakota fends for himself in the Denali wilderness. When he ventures too far away from his safe zone, he's put right in the path of a truck on the highway and right into the arms of Sam Waters. The two hit it off immediately as man and wolf, but Dakota fears Sam won't be so understanding when he sees what he truly is. When Dakota shifts in front of Sam, the sparks fly, but Dakota's past and pack threaten their relationship.

Drawn Together

Rory's just a simple southern boy from St. Antoine's Parish, Louisiana, but he knows what he wants - the girl of his dreams, reclusive and mysterious artist Ran Yamane. He's loved her since junior high school, and now he has the chance to meet her. He chucks everything and travels 1,500 miles to Anime Expo in Long Beach just so he can tell her. He's determined that nothing and nobody are going to stand in his way. Turns out, Ran Yamane isn't a girl, but he gets that a lot.

Chevalier

Fireman Mason James thought finding out he is a Romanus - a rare class of gargoyle - would be the surprise of a lifetime, but he's proven wrong when he discovers he is the son of a comte and goji nobility. But his newly discovered family doesn't think his gargoyle lover, Luc, is good enough for a goji of Mason's stature - how could a warrior ever be? But despite the Moreaus' uncertainty and elitism, they are Mason's only chance to unravel the mystery behind his mother's death.

Alaska, with Love

Josh Montgomery is a red-blooded American male that loves his job and loves women even more. Part of an elite team run by General Derek Jacobs, Josh and his fellow assassins take pride in their jobs. When one Assassin gig turns into a rescue mission on the side, Josh's life is turned upside down by the man he rescues. Now, he has to take a good long look at who he really is. With the help from his friends Mateo, Riley, and Troy, Josh tries to understand what he's feeling.

Soul Mate for Sale

Omegas were hard to come by worldwide. While I would have preferred to mate for love, it didn't seem that it was in the cards for me. I had taken over as pack Alpha five years earlier, and it was high time that I started adding to the pack population. Less even than a marriage of convenience, purchasing an Omega at the auction was more of a long-term service contract, a means to an end, so what was an Alpha to do when he found his soul mate on the auction block?

Aced

Ace Locke is Hollywood's hottest action hero. Women across the globe fling their panties in his direction, but Ace isn't interested in those - he's more of a boxer briefs kind of guy. Specifically, those of the nearly naked male model on a billboard he drives past every day. Though he recently made headlines for his public coming out, Ace is wary about pursuing a relationship, fearing what the court of public opinion will do to his career.

Corey: The Atherton Pack, Book 3

Corey Jones has always maintained he didn't want a mate. After falling for his college professor and having his heart broken, he vowed to never go there again. Now, his decision to remain single is put to the test when he meets his Alpha's new personal assistant, Ethan Davies, and discovers the man is his mate. After growing up in the foster care system, all Ethan ever wanted was a home and someone to love him. He's overjoyed that his recent move has brought him to his mate.

In Another Life & Eight Days

At age 18 Shiloh Raben is tired. He no longer has the energy to deal with mean classmates, inner doubt, and fear of familial rejection, so he takes a razor to his wrist. When he wakes up in the hospital, Shiloh meets Travis Kahn, the EMT who saved him and didn't leave his side. Travis is handsome, smart, and funny - the type of guy Shiloh would never be brave enough to approach. But his near-death experience has an unusual side effect: The life that flashed before his eyes wasn't the one he had already lived but rather the one he could live.

Mad Lizard Mambo: The Kai Gracen Series, Book 2

Licensed Stalkers make their living hunting down monsters and dangerous criminals, and their lives are usually brief, brutal, and thankless. Despite being elfin and cursed with a nearly immortal lifespan, Kai didn't expect to be any different. Then Ryder, the High Lord of the Southern Rise Court, arrived in San Diego, and Kai's not-so-mundane life went from mild mayhem to full-throttle chaos.

Places in Time

"Sexiest Man Alive" and Golden Globe-winning actor Ethan Baker lights up the screen but fizzles in his personal life. When his latest girlfriend breaks up with him, Ethan turns to his one "forever" person - Jude Harrison. But as Ethan makes the familiar drive to his best friend's house, an unexpected detour and a bewildering passenger take him through places in time he'd long forgotten. Suddenly, Ethan sees Jude's actions over the years from a different perspective, but it's his own reaction that's the biggest surprise.

Guarded

A brutal war left Volos Perun with physical and emotional scars and with a reputation as a hero. Now he's a soldier stationed at the palace, desiring Prince Berhanu while receiving only loathing in return. But when Berhanu foolishly refuses the king's request to let Volos accompany him on a peace mission to the neighboring country, Berhanu is kidnapped and brutalized. Now Volos must risk his life as he works to save Berhanu and help his country avoid another devastating war.

Wolfsong

Ox was 23 when murder came to town and tore a hole in his head and heart. The boy chased after the monster with revenge in his blood red eyes, leaving Ox behind to pick up the pieces. It's been three years since that fateful day and the boy is back. Except now he's a man, and Ox can no longer ignore the song that howls between them.

Liam: The Atherton Pack, Book 1

After a long night at work, all pastry chef Declan Morgan wants to do is have a run before he heads home to bed. His peaceful lope through the forest turns into a nightmare when he witnesses his Alpha kill a pack member in cold blood. Now Declan is on the run from the very people who should be protecting him. Liam Anderson has never minded all the travel that comes with his position as a Beta to the Pennaeth Alpha. He's used the time to search far and wide for his mate. He never expected to find the man naked and scared on his back porch.

Lay It Down

Most people would say being stranded in the villa of Spanish shipping magnate Miguel García Arquero on the beautiful isle of Ibiza wasn't such a bad deal. But Hudson Barber isn't one of them. To him, being stuck without a passport in a foreign country far from home is a nightmare, made worse by the fact that the person who did the stranding was his flighty twin brother.

Tams (TTC Books and more) says:"Well written story - Narration - not so much"

Protective Mate: Holland Brothers, Book 3

Life isn't meant to be easy, but for Zachary Bennet the last two years have been downright hell. The one shining light in his life, his precious daughter, Hayley. Deciding he needs a clean break, Zack gets a new job in a small town called Leyburn in the hopes they can settle down and live a peaceful life. Between worry over one brother's increasingly erratic behavior and constantly walking in on the other two making out with their mates, Simon Holland is ready to pull his hair out.

Whiskers of a Chance

Jason Grant runs his own IT business from home, owns his own home, and has the best friend he could imagine. What he doesn't have, or believe he will ever have, is love. When Jason catches a glimpse of his new neighbor on moving day, his libido ignites and his fascination in piqued. He even manages to concoct an excuse to go over and meet the man who makes him hope and want for more than he has in years.

Absinthe of Malice

When Crossroads Gin hits the road, Damien hopes it will draw them closer together. There's something magical about being on tour, especially when traveling in a van with no roadies, managers, or lovers to act as a buffer. The band is already close, but Damien knows they can be more brothers of sorts, bound not only by familial ties but by their intense love for music.

Test Drive: Crossroads Series, Book 3

A double shot of devastating news turns Justin Evanson's life upside down. When he learns his father has cancer, and he has siblings he never knew existed, he leaves everything behind and moves to Virginia to support his dad as he tries to make amends with his family - a family Justin's not sure he has a place in. Things go from bad to worse when he discovers his recent hookup is his newfound sister's brother-in-law. Drew Sinclair never expected to see Justin after their night at the club.

Publisher's Summary

Two Alpha shifters join together to lead their pack and build a family.

Commitment, loyalty, and strength aren't enough to make Wesley Stone's birth pack accept an Alpha with a physical imperfection, even if it's a meaningless mark. Putting the safety of his pack above his own wellbeing, Wesley trades himself for another Alpha and agrees to mate with a stranger in a mysterious, insular pack.

Alphas from Jobe Root's family have led the Red River pack from the first day shifters walked the earth. Now the time has come for Jobe to fulfill his destiny, but to do that, he needs his mate by his side. Spiritual, easygoing Jobe reveres Mother Nature and trusts in fate, yet he can't help being nervous about how his mate will react to his new life in Red River, his new life with Jobe.

Two Alphas with contrasting personalities, different upbringings, and divergent beliefs come together for the good of their packs. But to stay together, Wesley and Jobe must see beyond the surface and embrace every facet of themselves and their union.

I LOVE THIS STORY! This shifter story holds the elements of shifter lore that is my crack.

Wesley is an alpha wolf who’s shunned by his pack because of an odd scar on his abdomen he’s had since birth. Jobe is an alpha wolf who’s been patiently waiting for his mate to come to him.

When Jobe’s Red River pack makes an offer to Wes’s Purple Sky pack to trade alphas everyone is happy about the exchange except for Wes.

**QUOTE**“Red River has an Alpha wolf they won’t accept as their Alpha. Our pack feels the same way about you. So Brian Berger will come take over for me, and in exchange, you’ll go to Red River and lead a pack, like you’ve always wanted.”**QUOTE**

Wes will lead a pack, but he has to mate with a stranger in order to do it. There’s some anger on Wes’s part for feeling like he’s been sold to Red River. There’s also confusion because Wes and his pack have strayed from the old belief’s and customs for so long that they don’t even remember the old ways any more. Not the way Jobe and the Red River pack do.

Jobe’s Red River pack is tied deeply to the land and the nature surrounding it. They remember and practice the old ways and have not only survived, but thrived. Jobe knows Wes is his mate and perfect for him and their pack. When the two come together there’s great UST and a slow burn romance which eventually heats up for some major satisfaction.

There were so many things I loved about this story. I love how Jobe’s presence and calm is able to comfort Wes. I love how patient Jobe is with Wes until he finally sees. I absolutely love their HEA.

Nick J. Russo is a favorite narrator of mine. He just knows how to pace a story properly, to really infuse emotion into the character’s voices and tell the story in such a way it wraps me up and doesn’t just sound like he’s only reading from a page.

Cardeno C. does shifters! It's all feelings and mates and sexy-times up in here, and I'm LOVING it!

Cardeno C. is probably my biggest hit or miss author for me. I consider myself a HUGE fan of CC's work, but I think that CC has balls of steel sometimes for giving me all of these ARCs considering I'm just as likely to 1-star them as 5-star them. But this one I simply adored.

I'm actually surprised that I enjoyed it as much as I did because this book is just filled with miscommunications and misunderstandings. In fact, I'd say that they were the primary factors that drove the plot! However, I was absolutely smitten by this sweet, instalove/slow burn (you'll see...) story with some seriously sexy action.

I was a little taken aback by the (view spoiler) element, which I see is included in a lot of reviews but I didn't expect it because it is usually a sci-fi thing. However, I was into it because, well, I'm weird like that! I thought that the whole book was a short, adorable slice of heaven, usual tastes be damned!

I think something that HUGELY affected my rating was the stellar narration by my new favorite, Nick J. Russo. He is seriously becoming an auto-listen narrator for me, as he has MADE my last few listens. His voices are just dreamy, and I really enjoyed his narration with this one.

All fans of Cardeno C., especially the shifter stories, should try this one. It was a very easy, satisfying listen, and I highly recommend it!

Wesley's birth defect, hidden though it is, makes him different from his pack, and they don't want him as their Alpha, even though its his right. Swapping with another Alpha, in another pack seemed to be the only way Wesley will fulfill his right. Jobe's pack, however, is very different to Purple Sky, and life at Red River will take some getting used to.

Book two in the Pack series and you don't need to read book one, Blue Mountain. Mitch is mentioned, Simon not at all, and the Blue Mountain pack itself pops up, but only in a passing mention. So you don't need to read it. But you should. Just because I tell you to; because its Cardeno C and because its a five star read.

As is this one!!

I do love Cardeno C, ya'll know I do and the shifter books are by far my favourite of all the series. The Mates Collection, the Siphon Collection and these are all 5 star reads!

I loved this one, especially, because it takes a turn I did not see coming! Loved it!!

More generally speaking, I loved that Jobe knew straight away who Wesley was to him, and that it took time for Wesley to get it. I loved that Jobe knew so much more the Wesley about shifter lore, and that it took time for Wesley, and indeed, me, to get it all. I loved that Wesley threw himself into life in Red River, even though, at first, he really did not wanna be there.

Following a solid CC track, no major break ups/ make ups, no nutty ex, just the *ahem* minor misunderstanding which is more to do with a huge gap in Wesley's knowledge, than a fall out. Steam and passion a plenty, and lots and lots of CC love.

Thank you, CC, for another favourite, best one yet, that will undoubtedly be ousted off the top spot when the next book comes along.

AUDIO REVIEW

Nick J Russo narrates this second installment, he didn't narrate the first one. This is the second of his work I have listened to, and it threw me. Because in THAT book, Russo has a very NON-American speaking voice, but here, its very obviously American. It had me checking on Audible to see whether I had listened to his work before! Excellent switch though, very well done.

Russo's portrayal of Wesley and Jobe is brilliant. The voices are similar, but not so close that I, with my dodgy hearing, couldn't make out who was speaking when, without being told. Jobe's knowledge and Wesley's lack there-of comes across beautifully.

The major plot twist I did not see coming when I READ this does not have the same impact, but thats why I don't re-read. It didn't affect my enjoyment of the book second time around, and certainly did not affect my star rating, I just needed to say it.

Russo's reading voice is clear and even, and it makes for very easy listening, especially for me.

First let me say at this point, I only listen to Cardeno C. shifter books and only if it is a narrator I like. I really enjoyed the first two in the Mates series, and will probably listen to the 3rd eventually. I also enjoyed the first book in this Pack series, and will probably listen to the 3rd one as well. That said, this one was just OK with me. It wasn't bad, primarily because Nick Russo is an awesome narrator. He really elevated this for me because I just love his voice and characterizations. The story was pretty predictable and I have no problem with the particular trope employed. There just wasn't any surprises or drama, just a sweet story.

I would, it's so good! The Shifter storyline is tweeked to fit a different kind of mold.

What other book might you compare Red River to and why?

Any other Cardeno C story, she is the queen of Shifter Romance

Which character – as performed by Nick J. Russo – was your favorite?

Jobe. I loved how he was devoted regardless.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I couldn't get enough, I immediately hit play again once I finished I just didn't want it to stop.

Any additional comments?

Wesley Stone is a born Alpha, next in line to lead his pack. He spends the better part of thirty years selflessly devoting all his time to train to replace his uncle as Alpha, only to learn that his pack doesn't want him to be their alpha because of a simple scar. Jobe Root is the next Alpa in line to lead the Red River pack, the first known pack. Red River is a far cry from Wesley's pack with their beliefs as well as how their Alpha's lead. What Wesley's born pack considers an imperfection, Red River embraces.

Let me tell you how much I loved this audiobook... as soon as I finished it, I started it again. I was blown away by the storyline, the uniqueness of the Red River pack and the way Wesley and Jobe's lives were intersected so long before they realized what they would come to mean to each other. It's always interesting to me when an Author can take a storyline and bend it to their will, turn something overused into something different and intriguing. That is exactly what CC did with this book. It lists as the second book in the Pack series, but the events actually happen prior to the events in the first book in the series. This doesn't change or upset any storylines though.

Narrated by Nick J Russo and I absolutely loved the voices he gave Wesley and Jobe. There were these subtle changes in tone and nuance that really added to the mood of the characters at given times. Another thing I enjoyed was how Russo emerged himself into the story in a way that you could hear every emotion in the characters voices. Short, sexy and steamy and definitely worth a listen, especially if you love Shifter stories, but are looking for something different and unique.

Nick J. Russo did an amazing Job with book Two in Cardeno C.'s Pack Series. Having already read the story I listened to the audiobook just because I enjoy Cardeno's books so much and I was please to see that the narrator did an amazing job of adding another layer and dimension to the story and making it come alive. I highly recommend this story and both author Cardeno C and narrator Nick J. Russo5 Stars

Wesley was born with a deformity on his stomach that marks him as “other”. Despite all his strengths, his pack won’t accept him as the next successor to be Alpha, even when it becomes clear that there is nobody else for the job.

Jobe is part of a long line of Alpha-Alpha mated pairs whose family is the only one that can lead his pack. He must find his Alpha mate – soon- to help him take over leadership of his pack as his pack is slowly declining with the absence of the new leadership.

When a trade is struck between Jobe’s and Wes’ pack – Wes for another Alpha in the Jobe’s pack – Wes is heartbroken. He’s only ever wanted to lead his pack and can’t believe that something as inconsequential as a cosmetic deformity would preclude that from happening. He’s worried about becoming a leader in a strange pack, worried about mating a man and worried about the pack he’s leaving in a stranger’s hands.

Jobe worries about rejection and hopes that Wes will come to trust and love him as a mate should. But, Jobe trusts fate, and fate tells him Wes is the right man for him to mate, despite all the fears and worries they share.

When Wes comes to his new Red River pack there are lots and lots of false-starts and misunderstandings to be worked through, but he can’t deny his attraction to Jobe and only hopes it will be enough to get them through.

In the end, after the explanations and secrets have been shared, there is more to rejoice about than simply being a good Alpha and Mate and the HEA is so wonderful!

**

Cardeno C.’s shifter books (all the different series) are my favorites! I love the world building and the unique properties that get revealed in this one! I won’t tell you what they are – and spoil your surprise – but they are fun and sweet and exciting!

Jobe is the clueless one in this couple and Wes has his work cut out for him in bringing him around, but I love how sweet they are as a couple.

I loved book one, but this is EVEN BETTER! (I hope we get the omega’s story next – it sounds so good!) I highly recommend this book and all of Cardeno’s books very highly!

5 of 5 stars

Audio(I feel like I’ve been waiting for this forever! It did NOT disappoint!)

Nick J Russo is a favorite narrator of mine. He’s just SO easy to listen to. He clearly separates the two MCs, giving Job an even slightly different voice in his younger self than his older! I love the pacing and Nick’s cadence. His growly voice is well suited to these shifters and he does a tremendous job “acting” for us with this narration. Highly Recommended.

I read and loved the print version of this story and wasn't disappointed with the audio book. Good expressive narration with great pace that keeps the story flowing well.

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Amazon Customer

7/1/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"Wonderful strong shifter love story with a twist!"

I was enthralled with Wesley ave Jobe's story from the outset. Wesley, the alpha with a birth defect scar on his belly was never going to be accepted by his own, the Purple Sky pack. Born to lead, but never given the chance, he was traded with the distant Red River pack to mate the offspring of their current alpha. Jobe had longed for, and waited for his fated mate for years. When the deal was struck, sending Wesley to Red River, Jobe believed his long wait was over. Through a multitude of miscommunication and misunderstandings, true love won at last, in true Cardeno C style!The narration was beautifully done, with excellent characterisation and a perfect tone for the tale.A must listen for fans is sweet, soulful gay romance.

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